How Can I Prevent Indoor Plant Disease?

Prevention is your first line of defence against plant diseases and pests. Keeping plant leaves clean can aid in preventing plant disease.
Although most house-plant insects are too small to be seen, their presence is noted by the damage they do. Aphids and mites cause malformation or yellow patches on the tops of leaves. If this should occur to your plants, isolate diseased ones until you are sure that the problem has been eliminated.
If you suspect that insects are troubling your shiny-leafed plants, a good washing will often eliminate both the adult insects and their eggs. An easy and effective way to wash such a plant is to cover the top of the soil with paper. Then with your fingers straddling the stem to prevent the soil from falling out, tip the plant over and swish the entire plant in lukewarm soapy water. Rinse and set in a dim place until the leaves dry.
In advanced cases of infection a commercial spray may be needed. An aerosol pesticide is easy to use, but be sure to study the container label and follow directions closely. Spraying is wisely done out of doors. But the main thing is to prevent disease by keeping your plants healthy.